TOW #13 - Visual Text on the Second Great Awakening

     This portrait was done by an anonymous English artist in 1839 in water color. If examined carefully, this image portrayed many unique things such as a relaxed atmosphere, outdoor location, and mixed gender congregation. Through the artist's use of color and historical accuracy, the artist is able to capture the essence of a camp meeting during the time period of great religious revival in America: the Second Great Awakening.

     The time period is just around the time of the Industrial Revolution, hinting the influence of economic revolution with that of social revolution. In past years, religion had harsh rigid rules that the young people did not like. Due to the climatic changes in economics, many people abandoned this strict interpretation, or religion as a whole. Firm believers became frightened by this and ultimately began the movement for a religious revival. The most notable change in the religion was the image of god as a kind loving father, rather than a strict teacher. 

    This picture is of a North Carolina camp meeting wear traveling priests gave sermons. Many people are gathered, and what is unique to to this mass meeting is that it is outdoors. Using a variety of colors allows for this atmosphere, and further strengthens the significance and beauty of being connected with nature. The relaxed atmosphere went along with the new preaching that human suffering is not required to be let into Heaven. By portraying many females within the crowd, the significance of women in religious sermons can be understood. In actuality, during this time period a vast majority of believers were females.

     Within feet of the crowd are planks, which were referred to as "anxious benches." It is on these crude seats that people confessed their sins in front of a crowd. Men and women would mourn for the poor individual, but also cheer, for their are cleansing themselves of their sins. The historical accuracy of this painting is what has allowed it to be a popular piece of art, even in the 21st century. 

TOW #12 - IRB Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

This week I continued my reading of Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. In the first half of the book, Gladwell elaborates upon his theories behind "the power of thinking without thinking." Many people before Gladwell had thought about the intricate concepts behind quick-judgments and brash decisions. To gather credible information, Gladwell went to go and visit people for field research. Anecdotes and expert testimonials help to establish his credible, hence persuading his readers to buy into his theories.
Gladwell begins with telling a story about the Getty Museum purchasing a supposedly ancient Greek sculpture, despite being warned that it may be a copy. Many experts advised against this brash decision, yet the Getty Museum put their hopes up and took a bet. Gladwell uses this story to explain how it was not logic that led to quick decisions, but rather "an instinctive sense." All the Getty Museum saw was an old looking sculpture, but one man was able to see in an instant its great value. Gladwell's use of this anecdote allows him to convey the importance of instinct behind decision-making. He also uses this to suggest that not all acts are committed based upon logic, but rather a gut-feeling. " 
     In addition to anecdotes, Gladwell utilizes expert testimonials on establishing his credibility to convey and strengthen his argument: that decision-making is done through a complex process. IN one section, Gladwell discusses about a young couple who came to the University of Washington to be analyzed. John Gottman, a psychologist, recorded their conversations about their dog to determine how long they would be married. John Gottman produced astounding results, discovering that "with a jaw-breaking 90% accuracy" he was able to predict that "the couple would fail to remain married after 15 years." Gladwell's use of expert testimonials is not only engaging to the reader, but also very humorous. Gladwell is able to further convey the importance of past experiences in the process of decision-making, and how that in turn makes behavior predictable.
     Using anecdotes and expert testimonials, Malcolm Gladwell effectively argues the significance of instinct and past experiences behind making decisions. By engaging the audience and establishing his credibility through referencing experts, Gladwell persuades the reader of the complex nature of decision-making. Although I am still in the beginning sections of the book, I have learned a lot about psychology; more specifically, the reasoning behind making decisions. I truly believe that Gladwell is an effective writer in teaching his audience about complex ideas in an easily comprehensible way. 

TOW #11 - Rhetorical Text "Ain't I a Woman?"

By Sojourner Truth, December 1851

  During the mid 1800's, the abolitionist and suffragette movement was just beginning rise. Growing up through racial and gender inequality, Sojourner Truth grew up in firm belief of equal rights for women. In an 1851 Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio, she argues for a much-needed call for action against gender inequality through her language and use of repetition, so that women can finally be granted their right to vote.

    Truth's tone and diction allows her to further engage and create a deeper level of connection with her audience. She begins her speech by informally addressing her audience with "Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of the kilter." Truth does not pull the typical intelligent and smooth tone with his audience, as many political figures do. She instead directly addresses the audience in a familiar way, making the reader feel compelled to answer as she speaks right to them. Throughout her speech, Truth refrains from using an extensive vocabulary; although, she may just have never learned them. Nevertheless, having an easily comprehensive speech expands her audience, for many people during this time were not excelling literates. By speaking like a common person, she connects with the common people, further strengthening her bond with the audience. brother plight now becomes their common plight, and this newly established connection between reader and writer will help muster the support for fighting gender inequality.

    In addition to her language, repetition of a particular phase allows Truth to emphasize her purpose and draw sentiments from the reader. Truth makes a valid point female stereotypes of the time when she points out that despite nobody and ever helping her into carriages, "Ain't [she] a woman?" She can "eat as much as a man...and bear the lash as well! And ain't [she] a woman?" Truth behaves and possesses the strength that is often accredited to men, and yet she is not given the same rights as men. She works just as hard and has fought just as hard as men, but because she is a woman she is not granted equality. Because the phrase is constantly repeated throughout her speech, it remains in the thought of the reader to mull and take action on. Her cry makes the reader pause and consider the double standards of female stereotypes. The readers will grow empathetic to other women whose efforts will never be recognized. Their efforts appear vain when no matter how much effort they put in, they will only be seen as a woman desperately cry out "Ain't I a woman?"

    In combatting the issues of female equality of the 1800's, Sojourner Truth argues for the rights of women in hopes of persuading her audience to act upon her words. She develops this argument with her vivid language and repetition of the phrase "ain't I a woman?," effectively engaging the audience's sentiments and making a convincing point about the rights of women. If men allow for the women to take upon the rightful places in society and the freedom that comes with it, these women will surely "get it [the world] right side up again!"

TOW #10 - "God Weirded Out By Christian Who Loves Him After Only Month In Church"

The Onion 

    In this satirical article from the Onion, the author writes about the now severed ties between God and devout Christian, Christian Dale Evans. The author includes quotes from an interview with God and a sarcastic/sardonic tone to poke fun at people who proclaim themselves at devout worshippers of God despite only following him for a short amount of time.     

Christian Dale Evans came across God just one month ago. The Divine Creator, God himself, responded to this as a "super creepy" situation. "He's only gone to services for three or four Sundays now, and yet he's already trying to talk to me every night and telling all his family and friends about how great I am--It's kind of unsettling," God told the Onion. Obviously, God did not come down to talk to the Onion and tell them that this man was creeping him out. However, by being sarcastic in ridiculing this "Christian who came to love God in only one year," the Onion illustrates the ridiculousness of people who claim to be a devout believer after years of not really caring for religion. When the Onion asked God about how he would deal with this situation, he said that he didn't need "another toxic relationship with a f*cked-up Christian." Evans reportedly did not take any time to get to know Him before he claimed that he wanted to be with God forever, and that was upsetting to God. Likewise, if someone in today's world practiced Christianity for one month and then went to confess his/her love for him, God would cut all ties. "A little admiration here and there is okay," but going from zero to 6o in the blink of an eye" will only make His skin crawl.     


 By including quotes from God, the author is able to add to the humor of this article. However, his sardonic and sarcastic tone acts as criticism of the issue at hand; people "going from zero to 60 in the blink of an eye." Both of these rhetorical devices  help in bringing light to this issue in hopes of having readers realize the ridiculousness of this situation. 

IRB Intro Post #2 - Blink By Malcolm Gladwell

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

     For my second IRB, I chose Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. He is a critically acclaimed author and psychologist who had his book The Tipping Point become a bestseller. This fascinating book revolves around the concept of thinking without actually thinking; the decision people people make or actions done without much thought. It goes in depth behind the reasons why some people become brilliant decision-makers, while others struggle to make even the simplest choice. He discusses about how our brains work and how that ties into the decision-making skills of people. A very interesting theory he proposes is the art of "thin-slicing - filtering the very few factors that matter from an overwhelming number of variables." A couple years ago I came across Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I remembered seeing Blink  in my father's bookshelf, and seeing that I enjoy his books I thought I would give this one a try.

TOW #9 - Clinton Supporters React to Election Results

A Devastating Loss for Clinton Supporters

     This image was taken moments after the voting results were announced at Hillary Clinton's election night event at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on November 8, 2016 in New York City. Photographer Drew Angerer effectively captured the fear of the American citizens who would become victims of America's political system with Donald Trump as president. Angerer chose to focus not on one specific individual, but a whole diverse group of people: white women, colored women, colored men: all of whom are devastated by the outcome. This image which showcases the fear on every body's faces and a diverse group of people effectively convey to the audience about how a great deal of people feel towards our new President. 

     Throughout Trump's campaign for presidency, many racial and sexist slurs have been brought about. With scandals being uncovered about his mistreatment of women, tensions have been increasingly high days before the election. These high tensions brought about great emotional stress, and when the results were in, people broke. All of the people in this photograph are seen undergoing some sorts of emotional distress, whether they be signing in resignation or crying in heartache. It is not just the facial expressions that are important hear, but also the sheer number of people with this look of dismay. By highlighting a group of upset people, rather than a single individual, the photographer can get across the idea that many people are unhappy. Ironic how the happiness of the people is something that the U.S. prides them self in upholding. 

     By targeting minority figures in the U.S., Trump has created a great amount of enemies amongst members of the female and non-white community. Many of the promises he made during his campaign would bring disastrous consequences upon these people. Those who feared him fought desperately alongside Clinton, but when the results came in, all realized the fate that awaited them. Amongst the people photographed, more than half are women or colored. The photographer's decision to showcase people of many different races allows his audience to see the reactions of those who will become oppressed under his rule. Angerer is not sharing the fear of the white privileged males, but instead of the females and racial minorities. 

     The spotlight is put upon a great many of people who share two common characteristics: fear and being of a racial/gender minority. With knowledge of Trump's candidacy, all were frightened and could only watch with horror as their new President was inaugurated. They knew that Trump would not make America great again; at least, not for them. 

TOW #8 - IRB: "They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky"

Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng, and Benjamin Ajak

     The journey of the three Lost Boys of Sudan continues in They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky. After years of separation, the brothers and their cousins are finally reunited in a rebel camp. However, their harrowing experiences have yet to cease as death remains a commonality in their daily life. This book serves to honor those who died by this conflict that the adults who dragged the innocent into the war. The extent of their horrors are effectively portrayed by their use of diction. 

     Throughout this memoir, Alepho, Benson, and Benjamin take turns in recounting their individual experiences. Because they were all of a very young age, the details and the diction they use to share their experiences have an air of innocence that sharply contrasts with the brutality they discuss. For example, when the youngest boy Benjamin recalls the time he and the other refugees were forced into the Gilo by the Ethiopian government troops, "whether or not you could swim you had to dive into that water. Even if you could swim, a lot of people stepped on you. Many people died. [His] leg wound was so bad, but the Lord God helped [him]" (145). This boy is talking about being stomped to death or being shot. But he so simply tells it because as a child, it would have been difficult for him to fully comprehend the situation. All he could understand was that people were dying, and he had to pray for survival. The diction that he uses is very limited and not particularly sophisticated, but it effectively emphasizes his innocence in contrast to the brutality that he experienced at such a young age. Although there is no figurative language that provides the reader with a context to form a visual, the innocence emanating from the boy is enough to show how horrific the event was. 

      Every moment the boys encounter a dangerous event, the reader will cringe at how horrific of an experience they had, especially at such a young age. Because of the war conflict the boys were separated and then reunited many times. There heartfelt story tells war from the side of the children, the innocent, who had no say in the war plaguing their lives. They could only fight for their survival and hope to God that their lives would turn for the better. 

TOW #7 - "A Sweet Devouring"

By Eudora Welty

     In "A Sweet Devouring," author Eudora Welty focuses on her various romances with books that she first developed in her kitchen room. After her first encounter with Five Little Peppers, Welty cannot help but ask her mother whether her family was rich or poor; she was dying to hear that they were poor. Immensely fascinated with the main character Poppy, her greatest desire was to bake "a cake in a stove with a hole in it" (246) and channel her inner Poppy. This character played a big role in driving her literary tastes, because after reading about the troublemaker Poppy she concludes that "trouble, (was) the backbone of literature (and)...the original property of the fairy tale" (246). Welty grows her obsession with such books until "Snap" (246), she had finished all the books on the shelf. 

     Welty, in the early stages of reading, did not know what she liked. All she knew was the "pleasures of reading itself" (247). There were so many books that she could not have or did not know existed that for a long time, she could not find books that fit her taste and had meaning. When she discovers series books, she feels as though she had been saved. If she could not find quality, she could at least have quantity. As she begins her rampage of book reading, she would often make two trips in a single day, "running back [to the library] with any book on the same day [she] took it out" (247). Come Christmas time and she purchases the false "Camp Fire Girls" series, Welty is neither fascinated nor brought to a pause. Although she always loved the opportunity to read a new book, at this point all she wanted from her books was to "have ten to read at one blow" (250). She had begun to lost sight of the initial attraction that sparked her romance with books, and when she realized this growing disinterest, she wonders if it is "a flaw of the heart" or if she had simply grown "tired of not having any taste" (250). 

     Just when she feels lost in her world of books, she returns to her home and finds "Mark Twain -- twenty-four volumes, not a series, and good all the way through" (251). She had come back to the roots, the source, of where her love of literature had started, and the spark had been reignited. She could once again bask in the beauty of literature. Her journey to reach this state of mind had surely been "a sweet devouring."

TOW #6 - Conflicting Viewpoints

Conflicting Viewpoints

     This is a political cartoon that was released in the Pittsburg Post Gazette and created by Melissa Trahin. It addresses the issue of social media's focus on violence that kids are drawn to. In this day in age, many children are exposed to various types of inappropriate material. Social media nurtures short attention spans, as seen in the child'd wide-eyes and hunched body over the game controller. On the other hand, the adults who appear to be against this social media obsession, are staring straight into the TV screen as well. It is a bit ironic, and by illustrating this moment as is helps to emphasize how many people don't even realize an addiction to media. 

     Irony also comes into play with the parents agreeing with the school policy against guns, while allowing their child to be exposed to violent video games. The environment that children grow up in is saturated with media culture, so it is difficult to keep children away from it. However, as her humorous allusion illustrates, without paying attention to and properly confronting their children on this issue, nothing will change. They could be very concerned about guns and violence, but if their son is playing violent video games than the issue will continue to be prevalent in everyday life. 

     Trahin realizes the extent of this issue in the 21st century. As it effects people of all ages, the best way for her to engage a wide audience was by appealing to their emotions. She effectively accomplishes this by making her entire cartoon humorous. The details and sarcastic illustrations also help to convey her message. What she hopes to gain from creating this cartoon is for educators and parents to help understand the need for limitations on media usage to help optimize children's development. 

TOW #5 - "9/11 Speech"

George W. Bush

     The writing that I chose to analyze for this week was George W. Bush's commentary publicly released following 9/11. The hysteria that amassed the United States after the horrendous terrorist attack required the President to address the nation as a whole for two reasons. One, to assure the public that security measures are being taken and two, to prove to the terrorists that this event will not break the US. As the President of the United States discussing about the matters of the country, he has plenty automatic ethos. He establishes a common plight by saying things like "our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist attacks" and "thousand of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts." By using the pronoun 'our' in discussing about "our nation saw evil," "our military is powerful," and "our country is strong" President Bush is able to create a sense of unity with his audience to prove his care for his country. 

     His strong empowering diction when describing the US government and military, such as "strong," "powerful," and "prepared" helps in the persuasion of the pubic to believe in their country's capability to ward of evil. Because the last thing the US needs is hysteria and unrest amongst their own people, easing the public mind is an important task. The US revers themselves as the "brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world," and yet a major commercial city fell victim to terrorists. This event proved that the might US may not be as strong as they seem, so the President must assert his power to maintain his reputation. 

TOW #4 - In College, These American Citizens Are Not Created Equal

Lady Liberty stands for equality, not discrimination.

In this essay, author Fabiola Santiago addresses the issue of racial discrimination of the 21st century, and uses allusions and anecdotes to persuade her audience to take a stand against racial discrimination. She begins her essay by alluding to the words of Lady Liberty -- "I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"--then discusses the splendid refurbishing that she will undergo in the upcoming year. Lady Liberty is a monument that symbolized equality freedom and racial equality. However, Santiago states that the current state of society would cause her to "shed mournful tears at the lack of compassion for immigrants." Her comment reveals her opinions on the almost hypocritical actions of the government; they would pay $27 million to renovate a statue, but charge extra tuition to children of undocumented immigrants. 

     Wendy Ruiz is a victim of this social stigma; she must work three part-time jobs while maintaining a 3.7 grade-point-average because her parents are not US citizens. Compared to the $1,266 per term tuition offered to most Floridians, she must pay $4,524 because she is considered a "dependent of nonresidents." Fortunately, Ruiz does not let this obstacle stand in way of her dreams, because she has "never wanted anything so bad in [her] life like [she] wants this." This anecdote allows Santiago to appeal to her audience's emotions and helps to establish a connection between the "face of this story (Wendy)" and the audience. The most powerful way to persuade a person is through the heart, which explains why Santiago chose to tell the story of inspirational Wendy rather than provide statistics and facts. By alluding to United State's symbol of freedom and sharing an anecdote about a daughter of undocumented immigrants, Santiago successfully conveys her opinions on the injustice of the legislative policy in question and makes her audience reconsider the notion of freedom in the United States. 

TOW #3 - Bop

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In "Bop," author Langston Hughes addresses the issue of racial inequality of the mid-1900's through his revelation of the true origin of bop music. He writes to raise awareness of white oppression to have his audience reflect upon their past, and is supported by his use of illusions, onomatopoeias, and repetition. The story takes place on the day of Sabbath, a day typically dedicated to religious observation and abstinence from work. Ironically Simple, who plays the role of a teacher, is portrayed loudly playing his bop music. This allusion between religion and bop music helps to emphasize his opinions towards the African culture and of white oppression. When the author innocently asks about the origins of bop music, Simple states, “From the police beating Negroes’ heads...Bop! Bop! Bop!” (191).  This explains why he goes on to say “‘That’s why so many white folks don’t dig Bop’” (191). Although Simple says this quite simplistically as if it's ‘not a big deal,’ as his name suggests, the reader can easily grasp how tense this time period was between races and the struggle of being black.

In addition to the visual he helps to create of white oppression of the 1950’s, the onomatopoeia of the word “bop” shows the significance of racial inequality of the time, and how it continues to be prevalent through time: so much that they named a genre of music after it. Repetition continues to appear in Hughes’ essay, like when Simple discusses racial discrimination “just for being colored” by people who felt entitled “just for being white” (191). The emphasis put on ‘just’ shows how insignificant race should be in contrast to the harsh reality of cruel racial discrimination. Hughes repetitive usage of “nonsense” suggests the ridiculousness of this issue of race, but also the strength of the black community who can brush of white-supremacy acts with a short, stern “nonsense!” (1910). The rhetorical devices utilized in Hughes’ essay help to suggest the contrasting significance of the racial inequality of the mid-1900’s with the ridiculousness of its foundation. Through this short dialogue, the audience becomes enlightened about the struggles and strength of black people, calling for an action to stop the stupidity.

TOW #2 - Editorial Cartoon on Donald Trump

Editorial Cartoon on Donald Trump

This is a political cartoon satirizing the occasion of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign of 2016. This cartoon was published by U.S.News, and its speaker happens to be Chriss Britt, an award-winning editorial cartoonist. The context of this cartoon is the public endorsement against Trump’s candidacy. If his well-earned reputation isn’t credible enough, his depiction of Trump as a ridiculously offensive character helps emphasize his shared values towards Trump with his audience of non-Trump supporters. The ethos he establishes is that of a man in a political standing strongly against Trump. His audience of U.S.News readers that share his opinions on Trump would be appealed by the humorous tone of this visual text, such as his reference to Trump’s affiliation with “nut-jobs.” He also connects to the audience by pointing out the sensitive topics on prejudice against the minority.  Putin, the KKK, and Birthers all illustrate injustice towards minorities, and Britt’s ‘match-making” between Trump and them expresses his distain towards such ideals. In this day and age, ideas pertaining to sexism, racism, and authoritarianism are often met with great anger and sensitivity. Since many of the points Trump presents to the country are racist, sexist, and demeaning of the working class, the logic behind Britt’s illustration of Trump can be understood. That is why the depiction of Trump and his ‘dating candidates’ can be seen as an appeal to pathos and logos. Through utilizing media as a method in spreading ideas, Britt is able to convey to his audience about his political standing against Trump. I think that Chriss Britt did an excellent job in conveying his message; such denouncement of a major political candidate can only be seen as an endorsement against his candidacy. He evoked humorous feelings, mentioned clear rational ideas, and appealed to my values, making this political cartoon, in my opinion, an effective argument against Trump.

This is a political cartoon satirizing the occasion of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign of 2016. This cartoon was published by U.S.News, and its speaker happens to be Chriss Britt, an award-winning editorial cartoonist. The context of this cartoon is the public endorsement against Trump’s candidacy. If his well-earned reputation isn’t credible enough, his depiction of Trump as a ridiculously offensive character helps emphasize his shared values towards Trump with his audience of non-Trump supporters. The ethos he establishes is that of a man in a political standing strongly against Trump. His audience of U.S.News readers that share his opinions on Trump would be appealed by the humorous tone of this visual text, such as his reference to Trump’s affiliation with “nut-jobs.” He also connects to the audience by pointing out the sensitive topics on prejudice against the minority.  Putin, the KKK, and Birthers all illustrate injustice towards minorities, and Britt’s ‘match-making” between Trump and them expresses his distain towards such ideals. In this day and age, ideas pertaining to sexism, racism, and authoritarianism are often met with great anger and sensitivity. Since many of the points Trump presents to the country are racist, sexist, and demeaning of the working class, the logic behind Britt’s illustration of Trump can be understood. That is why the depiction of Trump and his ‘dating candidates’ can be seen as an appeal to pathos and logos. Through utilizing media as a method in spreading ideas, Britt is able to convey to his audience about his political standing against Trump. I think that Chriss Britt did an excellent job in conveying his message; such denouncement of a major political candidate can only be seen as an endorsement against his candidacy. He evoked humorous feelings, mentioned clear rational ideas, and appealed to my values, making this political cartoon, in my opinion, an effective argument against Trump.     

TOW #1 - They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky

This week I began the memoir of the three Lost Boys of Sudan called They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky.  This memoir recounts the experiences of Benson Deng, Alphonsion Deng, and Benjamin Ajak during the 2nd Sudanese Civil War. The two brothers and their cousin were around the age of ten when rebel fighters and the army brought their war into civilian area. The men involved in the crossfire were immediately killed, and many of the women were raped. All who were left were the young boys; many who had no choice but run away. Amidst this conflict, the Deng brothers became separated for many months. Regardless, all struggled in the pilgrimage to Ethiopia from their town in northwest Sudan-an approximate thousands mile distance. Alphonsion survived by sticking with his sister, Benson from companionship, and Benjamin for sticking to Benson. Unfortunately, even after escaping death through guns, starvation, dehydration, and disease plagued the lives of these boys and threatened each and every one of them. Through it all, these three boys were able to escape and survive. The harrowing experiences that the boys so carefully share with us helps establish their credibility as tellers of of war. Their heartfelt intention of honoring their fellow children who were killed by war can be understood in every piece of this book. This memoir also serves as a critical reminder to the adults of war who drag young children into a war that is not theirs and a death they have no choice but to share. All three boys write innocently, accurately telling the tale as young boy would when encountered with such an experience. The limited usage of figurative language and complex diction helped me to further put into perspective the age of the boys when their people were massacred right before their eyes. It strung a chord in my heart and successfully convinced me of the horror behind this thing called war, and to never forget the lives of the lost children.  

IRB #1 Intro Post

The non-fiction book I have chosen to read is They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky by Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng, and Benjamin Ajak. This book is recounts the life of three 'lost boys' of Sudan. Due to the horrid massacre of Sudan's civil war, thousands of teenage boys were forced to take flight from their homes. Without any parents or sisters, these boys had to learn how to fend for themselves. Upon hearing that I enjoy reading books on societal issues of foreign countries, Ms. Pronko promptly recommended this book for me. It is one of her personal favorites and so I decided to give this book a try.

Blog Post #3 - "No Name Woman"

"If you don't speak up, how is the world supposed to know you exist?"

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In this essay, author Maxine Hong Kingston writes about her family’s long-kept secrets, one of which being her father’s lie of not having a sister. The other was that her ‘newly-found’ aunt had committed suicide upon being ostracized for sexual relations outside of her marriage. When younger, Kingston accepted this story as truth and shied away from boys for fear of humiliation and death, like what befell her aunt. But as her identity as an American woman developed, she realized that her mother’s words may not have held the entire truth. Although it was definite that her aunt was illegitimately pregnant, Kingston questions whether it truly was an act of adultery. She finds it plenty feasible that “some man had commanded her to lie with him and be his secret evil”(386). Unfortunately, because her aunt was born into a society in which women were conditioned to obey men, there was no way for her to speak up and prove her innocence; all she could do was be silent. This silence carried on into her family who bestowed her the mark of an outcast. Kingston, too, partook in this silent punishment until the guilt became too great of a burden to carry. This is why, after all these years, she finally exposes the unfair discrimination in both traditional Chinese society as well as in her family. Through her sharp critique of this double standard, she is able to alleviate her aunt’s punishment and release her ghost to freedom. Her purpose in making such a revelation is to persuade first generation immigrants, like her parents, to stop gender discrimination as well as inspire the younger generation to find a culture where they can be true to themselves. Seeking for her readers to take this course of action, Kingston chose to apply her American values and did the unspeakable thing of asserting her independence. Ironically, despite her mother’s first demand to “not tell anyone”(383), the entire essay does the exact opposite. Kingston proves the impossible of going against customary Chinese behavior, by acknowledging her aunt when no one else dared say her name, even if it was just a simple identification as ‘No Name Woman’.

Blog Post #2 - "The Way to Rainy Mountain"

"Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you"
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This essay begins with author N. Scott Momaday returning to his hometown in Oklahoma; The purpose was to give a proper farewell to his grandmother, who belonged to the last tribe of the Kiowas. As he travels around, the many landmarks unique to his Kiowas descendants trigger stories he was told as a kid. The legacy of their finest horsemen who ruled the “whole of the southern Plains” is one everlasting in his heart, as well as the unfortunate ending when they had to surrender to the unrelenting advances of the U.S. Cavalry (314). Fortunately, Momaday’s grandmother was not yet born and was spared the “humiliation of [the] high gray walls”(314). Long after, during a summer of reunion with the “old council of warlords”(317), life was brought back to the century-old traditions of the Kiowas. But like all things joyous, this moment of the Kiowas was once again brought to an end. After his grandmother’s passing, Momaday was left with the peculiar memory of her “looking down into the folds of her hands...ramblings prayers out of suffering and hope”(316). Although he had never learned the language, the “inherent sad of the sound”(317) was undeniable. Growing up in such a reminiscent environment, the emotional tales he shares have great credence to them. Witness to the the pain of the Kiowas, the author desires to pass down these legends and keep the story of the Kiowas alive within his readers. The successful delivery of this message is in part due to the usage of rhetoric. Although readers likely have not faced such an event, Momaday’s didactic writing style and use of pathos in describing scenarios- like the “affliction of defeat”(314) after surrendering to soldiers- allows the readers to understand the extent of the Kiowas sorrow. By writing this essay, Momaday has been successful in returning life to the true spirit of the Kiowas tribe.  

Blog Post #1 - "How It Feels to Be Colored Me"

"After all, the wool of a black sheep is just as warm" - Ernest Lehman
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In this essay, author Zara Neale Hurston writes on what constitutes her racial identity. Growing up in the little town of Eatonville, Florida, Hurston lived fearlessly amongst the whites, unafraid and colorblind to her surroundings; Making distinctions between skin color was something beyond her, a concept she had yet to grasp. Unfortunately, with time came the inevitable change of circumstances. Relocated to Jacksonville, she soon fell upon the realization that she was no longer “everyone’s Zora”, but just “a little colored girl”(115). This sudden exposure to the cruelties of the time transforms the once naive little girl into a strong but vulnerable black woman of the 1900s. In spite of the constant reminders that she is “the granddaughter of slaves,” Hurston’s take on race is quite profound. Through her experience as a colored woman, she is able to realize that every person, regardless of race, is up against the same wall. Looking inside each person would reveal the “jumble of small things priceless and worthless”(117). Her determination to enlighten her readers with this idea is the ultimate purpose of this essay. She writes to change her readers’ worlds and prove that a hierarchy of races is unjust. In helping to achieve this, she uses a vast array of rhetorical devices that enhance the clarity of her message. She connects an experience of when she felt the most colored to a dark rock overswept “among(st) the thousand white persons. But through it all remain(ing) [her]self”(116). The ambiguity of this statement allows for many interpretations; whether she felt drowned by the current, or fought strongly against it remains unknown. The strength of this ‘white sea’, however, is undeniable. The scatterings of figurative language on top of this help to create a lasting picture of the bravado of Hurston. The sufferings along with the joys is what allowed Hurston to brave the reality and help show her readers that white and black are no more different than they are similar. The fact that she is able to face her peers with such strong conviction of this is proof of the great credence of her words.